Natural Mosquito Repellents

Before you run to the store to stock up on cans and bottle of chemical bug spray, first try these natural mosquito repellents
<b>Catnip</b> - cats run wild, but mosquitoes fly away in fright! Iowa State University researchers say the essential oil found in catnip is about 10 times more effective than DEET in repelling mosquitoes.
<p><i>Source: <a href="http://www.care2.com/greenliving/8-natural-mosquito-repellents.html" target="_blank">Care2.com</a> | Photo credit: iClipart.com<br /></i>
<b>Garlic</b> - eat lots of it! Mosquitoes hate it (and you'll ward of vampires, too!)
<p><i>Source: <a href="http://www.care2.com/greenliving/8-natural-mosquito-repellents.html" target="_blank">Care2.com</a> | Photo credit: iClipart.com<br /></i>
<b>Lavender</b> - essential oil smells great and is a commonly used and effective mosquito repellent. It's best diluted in a carrier oil like apricot kernel, sweet almond, or coconut oil. If you can find organic soy oil, it is also a good option since it also keeps mosquitoes at bay.
<p><i>Source: <a href="http://www.care2.com/greenliving/8-natural-mosquito-repellents.html" target="_blank">Care2.com</a> | Photo credit: iClipart.com<br /></i>
<b>Light-colored clothing</b> - Many mosquitoes use vision to locate hosts from a distance and dark clothes and foliage are initial attractants.
<p><i>Source: <a href="http://chemistry.about.com/cs/howthingswork/a/aa050503a.htm" target="_blank">About.com</a> | Photo credit: iClipart.com<br /></i>
<b>Avoid salty and high-potassium foods</b> - You release more lactic acid when you have been exercising or after eating salty and high-potassium foods. Avoid eating them before you plan to spend time outdoors
<p><i>Source: <a href="http://chemistry.about.com/cs/howthingswork/a/aa050503a.htm" target="_blank">About.com</a> | Photo credit: iClipart.com<br /></i>